How to Prune Climbing Roses

Climbing roses can be a very beautiful addition to a garden when properly cared for; however, when left to their own devices they can become quite a problem.  An unpruned climbing rose can not only turn into a large mess in your garden, but also endanger the health of the bush.  In order to keep your climbing roses healthy and looking great, you should learn how to prune climbing roses the right way.

For the first two to three years, you want to do as little pruning as possible.  This gives the bush time to make long canes that will branch and grow.  You can take this time to help guide the canes in the direction you want them to grow.  This is done by tying them to trellises or other support structures.  The only pruning that should be done during this time is to remove dead or diseased growth.  This will prevent the disease spreading, and will give the healthy portions a better chance at survival.

When your bush is old enough to begin regular pruning, there are a few things you need to remember.  First, major pruning should be done before in the winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant.  If possible, you want to have 4 to 6 main canes on your bush.  These should be chosen by which appear the healthiest and which are growing in appropriate areas. Prune extra canes down to the ground to prevent regrowth. 

For regular maintenance, you only want to prune the minor branches of your bush.  If you remove a main cane, you’re removing a lot of the support structure for other areas of the bush.  Also, keep in mind that first year growth does not bloom.  If you trim all your old growth, don’t expect to have flowers in the spring. 

When a cane of a climbing rose gets old, it becomes woody and less visually appealing.  When a cane is gets to this stage, you should prune it off at the very bottom of the cane.  This allows new growth to form in the same spot, giving you a lively, healthy plant.

If you remember these tips on how to prune climbing roses,  you’re sure to have beautiful blooms for a long time to come.

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